Class of 2025 Achievement Report
From the Headmaster
It is my great pleasure to share the outstanding achievements of Toowoomba Grammar School’s 2025 cohort.
This group of young men has embraced every opportunity, excelling not only in their academic pursuits but also on the sporting field, on stage and in service to the community. Their success reflects the strength of our School culture, one that values character, resilience and a commitment to excellence in all endeavours.
As a school, we take immense pride in preparing students for life beyond the gates of TGS. The accomplishments of this graduating class are a testament to the dedication of our staff, the support of families and the determination of the students themselves. They leave us ready to contribute meaningfully to society, equipped with the skills and values that define a TGS education.
This publication celebrates those achievements in detail. On the following pages, you will read firsthand accounts from the boys themselves, and our Director of Learning and Innovation will provide a comprehensive overview of academic results, vocational pathways and other notable successes that highlight the breadth of opportunities at TGS. I invite you to explore these stories and join us in congratulating the 2025 cohort on their remarkable journey.
Dr John C. Kinniburgh
at a Glance
Congratulations to Dux of TGS
Rayan Bashir who received our top ATAR
students achieved QCAA Academic Commendation of our students achieved a VET qualification of our students achieved an ATAR of 99 or above 99.85 40% 100% 10 6 99 5
of our students achieved an ATAR of 90 or above of our students achieved a QCE
students achieved 100/100 in a General subject
Outstanding Achievements: 2025 Cohort Year in Review
The 2025 cohort delivered an exceptional academic performance, setting new benchmarks for excellence and achievement.
QCE and Vocational Success
• 100% of students received their Queensland Certificate of Education (QCE), reflecting a strong commitment to learning across the entire group.
• The cohort achieved 99 VET qualifications, demonstrating a strong commitment to vocational education and practical skills.
• Six students earned the prestigious QCAA Certificate of Academic Commendation, awarded for achieving an A exit result in at least six General or General (Extension):
• Omer Shahid: Specialist Mathematics, Mathematical Methods, Biology, Chemistry, English, Physics
• Rayan Bashir: Specialist Mathematics, Mathematical Methods, Engineering, Chemistry, English, Physics
• Elijah Girdler: Biology, Design, English, General Mathematics, Geography, Modern History
• Jett Heffernan: Philosophy and Reason, Mathematical Methods, French, Chemistry, English, Physics
• Charles Herden: Specialist Mathematics, Mathematical Methods, Biology, Chemistry, English, Physics
• Matthew Jacob: Specialist Mathematics, Mathematical Methods, Biology, Chemistry, English, French
Exam and ATAR Highlights
• 13 perfect external exam scores were achieved by the cohort.
• Dux: Rayan Bashir (ATAR 99.85)
• Proxime Accessit: Omer Shahid (ATAR 99.75)
• Five students achieved an ATAR above 99, with 17% of eligible students scoring 95+ and 40% scoring 90+.
• The median ATAR for the cohort was 84.5, with more than half of eligible students (56%) scoring 80+.
Subject Excellence
• QCAA Subject Achievement Commendations were awarded to students who achieved the highest result in at least one General subject, including:
• Omer Shahid: Physics, Mathematical Methods, Biology, English, Chemistry
• Hinata Inoue: Japanese
• Harry Bland: Music
• Lachlan Ferguson: French, Music, Music Extension (Performance)
• Standout subject results:
• French: 82% achieved an A; 100% B or higher; median score 91
• Chemistry: 71% of students achieved an A; 100% received B or higher
• Digital Solutions, Music: 100% B or higher
• Japanese: Median score 92.5
• Physics: 50% achieved an A
• Ancient History: 85% B or higher
• Modern History: 72% received an A
• Music Extension: Median QCE score 98
• There were 35 perfect internal subject scores achieved across a wide range of disciplines. Notably, 5 in Physics, 4 in French and 4 in Music Extension.
Artistic and Cultural Highlights
• Year 12 students exiting with AMEB grades at Grade 5 or higher: Harry Bland – Piano Grade 8
• Charles and Motee Rogers Memorial Piano Competition Highly Commended: Harry Bland
• Alliance Francaise Norma Thomas Prize for Outstanding Achievement in French: Lachlan Ferguson
• Language Teachers Queensland Association Excellence in Languages:
• French: Kagan Cumming, Hayden Fellenberg, Lachlan Ferguson, Jett Heffernan, Mathew Jacob, James Nicholls, Max Nielson, Griffin Palmer, Ryan Williams
• Japanese: George Bain, Hinata Inoue and William Wu
• Language Teachers Queensland Association Spirit Award for Languages: Lachlan Ferguson
Sporting Highlights
• Two students achieved national team selection:
• Charles Lachmund - U19 Australian Cricket Team
• Myles Rosemond – Australian U18 Rugby 7s Team
• Three students achieved state team selection:
• Matthew Johnston, Queensland Reds U18 7s Team
• Charles Lachmund, U19 Queensland Cricket Team
• Myles Rosemond, Queensland Reds U18 7s team and Queensland Reds U18 Team
• Nine students achieved Darling Downs School Sport team selection:
• Fraser Brown – Rugby
• Cooper Brown – Rugby League
• Joshua Ecroyd – Water Polo
• Joshua Fraser – Triathlon
• Carter Isaac – Touch Football
• Riley Lucht – Basketball
• Tom McDonald – Rugby League
• Riley Nestor – Tennis
• Harry Young – Basketball
• This cohort’s results reflect not only individual brilliance but also a collective dedication to academic and vocational excellence. Their achievements set a high standard for future students and are a testament to the School’s supportive learning environment.
Crystal Hede, Director of Learning and Innovation
Year 12 DUX
2025 Academic Achievers
Rayan Bashir
ATAR: 99.85
Academic Journey and Interests
Do you have any strategies or habits that help you succeed academically?
“My primary tip is to ask questions. I never did that before Year 11 and my results improved drastically once I started.”
Motivation and Mindset
What keeps you motivated to strive for academic excellence?
“It’s not always motivation – it’s discipline. There’s a goal and I know I want to get there. Even if I fall short, I know I did everything I could.”
Growth and Inspiration
Have there been any teachers, mentors or peers who have inspired or supported you along the way?
“My classmates are diligent and create an academic environment. Teachers like Mr Eckert, Mrs Brown and Mrs McCullough have been amazing - answering questions, supporting across subjects and even helping with university applications.”
Looking Ahead
What are your goals for the future – either academically or beyond school?
“Hopefully I’ll get into a medicine degree at Sydney while also pursuing kickboxing in amateur competitions. Discipline translates to everything, not just academics.”
Year 12 Proxime Accessit
Omer Shahid
ATAR: 99.75
Academic Journey and Interests
What subjects or areas of learning do you enjoy the most and why?
“Chemistry can be tough but also very rewarding. When a concept clicks in your mind it feels really good.”
Motivation and Mindset
What keeps you motivated to strive for academic excellence?
“My parents have invested a lot for me to come here and I want to make the most of that opportunity and reach my potential.”
Growth and Inspiration
Have there been any teachers, mentors or peers who have inspired or supported you along the way?
“Mr Grayson really stands out. In Year 11 Methods he created such a welcoming classroom environment that encouraged collaboration and helped me develop my maths skills.”
Looking Ahead
What are your goals for the future – either academically or beyond school?
“I hope to study medicine and become a doctor. The human body fascinates me and being able to help people and save lives is such an honourable career.”
An All-Rounder who overcame extreme adversity
Emmanuel Geu
Year 12 Prefect, Headmaster’s Medal Recipient
How sport, community and leadership helped me build a life of purpose and belonging.
In 2014, I relocated to Australia from South Sudan with my family, seeking safety and stability amidst civil conflict. The transition to a new country, culture and education system was challenging, but it marked the beginning of an extraordinary journey of growth and opportunity.
Toowoomba Grammar School has shaped me in ways I never imagined. Boarding was tough at first, as I’d never lived away from my family. However, integrating with the boys, getting involved in sport and finding mentors like Mr Michael Hall helped me settle in. My TGS family includes coaches, teachers, boarding staff and the mates I’ve lived with every day.
Sport has been central to my experience, giving me purpose, discipline and connection. I’ve represented the School in basketball, football, cross country, cricket and athletics. I’ve also stepped outside my comfort zone, learning new skills in swimming and cricket—pulling on whites for the first time and sharing plenty of laughs with my mates. At TGS, I’ve played sport for the love of it.
Balancing sport and study hasn’t always been easy. Recovering from an ACL injury in 2021 was a turning point. The encouragement I received from coaches, teachers and friends kept my spirits high and reminded me that I wasn’t alone.
My advice? Get involved, build relationships and be yourself.
In Year 12, I felt overwhelmed with my workload, but staff like Mr Kabe Cicolini and Mr Jackson Stone helped me manage the load. Their support taught me to listen to my body, prioritise wellbeing and stay focused.
As a School Prefect, I’ve embraced leadership and service, especially mentoring younger students.
TGS has given me resilience, gratitude and ambition—qualities I’ll carry proudly into the future.
2025 Headmaster’s Medal Recipient as nominated by his teachers
Emmanuel’s nomination for the Headmaster’s Medal highlighted qualities that go far beyond academic and sporting success. Teachers described him as “the embodiment of our School’s creed,” praising his motivation to embrace every opportunity despite the challenges he has faced. One story that captured his character was his determination to learn to swim so he could compete in the Year 12 Swimming Carnival. Starting from scratch, Emmanuel took lessons alongside junior students until he could safely and confidently complete the 50m freestyle - an achievement celebrated by the entire School.
Staff also commended his resilience through injuries and academic pressures, his tireless work ethic and his ability to build strong relationships across all year levels. Whether excelling in elite sports like cross country, football and basketball, stepping into unfamiliar territory with cricket, or leading as a Prefect and Social Coordinator, Emmanuel consistently put others first. His humility shines through in the way he values “small successes” as much as major achievements and his commitment to fostering community spirit makes him a standout Grammarian.
2025 High Achievers
Hayden Fellenberg
ATAR: 99.45
Academic Journey and Interests
What subjects or areas of learning do you enjoy the most and why?
“I’ve really liked languages ever since I’ve been in school and at the moment I enjoy French. I also really like physics and how it allows us to understand the world and the universe.”
Motivation and Mindset
What keeps you motivated to strive for academic excellence?
“Deep down I know that I can do well and I don’t want to see myself in a position where I don’t reach that level of success.”
Growth and Inspiration
Have there been any teachers, mentors or peers who have inspired or supported you along the way?
“I really enjoyed Year 8 science my teacher was very enthusiastic about the curriculum and it’s nice to see someone so passionate about the subject.”
Looking Ahead
What are your goals for the future – either academically or beyond school?
“Next year I’d like to study engineering at the University of Queensland. I’d like to be part of projects in the world so that I have something to leave behind.”
Jett Heffernan
ATAR: 99.40
Academic Journey and Interests
What subjects or areas of learning do you enjoy the most and why?
“My favourite subject is philosophy and reason. I just find it really interesting — I spend a lot of time reading and thinking about those big questions.”
Motivation and Mindset
What keeps you motivated to strive for academic excellence?
“It’s more intrinsic motivation. I find the content interesting and I want to do well, so most of the motivation comes from me.”
Growth and Inspiration
Have there been any teachers, mentors or peers who have inspired or supported you along the way?
“When I was in Year 10, Mr Spence and Mr Sullivan were two of my biggest inspirations. Mr Sullivan fostered a love of English and reading, while Mr Spence inspired me to work harder in maths.”
Looking Ahead
What are your goals for the future – either academically or beyond school?
“I want to go to university and study law. My teachers here have helped me learn how to learn, and I feel well prepared for life beyond school.”
2025 High Achievers
Matthew Jacob
ATAR: 98.95
Academic Journey and Interests
Was there a particular moment or achievement that made you feel proud of your academic efforts?
“In Year 9 I achieved a perfect score on a maths exam. It was the first time I realised I could get 100 per cent and it motivated me to keep up the momentum.”
Motivation and Mindset
What keeps you motivated to strive for academic excellence?
“It’s an obsession with wanting to improve yourself. Once you develop an interest in learning, you become driven to succeed academically and build character.”
Growth and Inspiration
Have there been any teachers, mentors or peers who have inspired or supported you along the way?
“My dad has been my biggest role model. He works hard without complaint and seeing his dedication motivates me to live up to his standard and work even harder.”
Looking Ahead
What are your goals for the future – either academically or beyond school?
“I want to study medicine at university, possibly at the University of Queensland or James Cook University. Grammar’s tough academics have prepared me well for the outside world.”
Understanding the acronyms: ATAR, QCE and VET
In Queensland, the Australian Tertiary Admission Rank (ATAR) is the primary measure used for university entrance, calculated from a student’s best five General subject results and scaled performance. The Queensland Certificate of Education (QCE) is awarded to students who meet set learning, literacy and numeracy requirements, signifying successful completion of senior schooling. Together, ATAR outcomes and QCE attainment provide key indicators of academic achievement for schools, reflecting both tertiary readiness and overall completion rates.
VET (Vocational Education and Training) is a form of education that equips students with practical, job-ready skills for various trades and industries. Covering qualifications from certificates to diplomas, VET is developed by industry professionals to prepare graduates directly for the workforce. VET qualifications are recognised by the Australian Skills Quality Authority (ASQA) and are part of the national register of VET in Australia.
Leading with Purpose and Passion
Hedley Donges Senior Dayboy Prefect
In his final year at Toowoomba Grammar School, Hedley Donges embraced leadership with determination and humility, leaving a legacy that reflects both character and commitment.
As Senior Dayboy Prefect, Hedley was a visible and influential presence, guiding his peers and fostering a sense of community within the School. His leadership extended beyond titles - he was a role model who balanced responsibility with authenticity.
Hedley’s journey to this point was far from effortless. Arriving from a small country school in Tenterfield, he faced the challenge of adapting to a new environment, unfamiliar technology and higher expectations. “My academic journey was one with many ups and downs,” he reflects. “But through the guidance of amazing staff, the transition became seamless.” His resilience and willingness to seek support shaped his success, as did his ability to pivot when plans changed. Initially set on engineering, Hedley discovered a passion for health and fitness, a decision that would define his future.
I’m proud of what I achieved— working a busy job while doing my best at school wasn’t easy, but it was worth it.
Sport was another cornerstone of Hedley’s school life. A GPS First XI cricket player, he demonstrated teamwork and perseverance on the field, earning Full Colours for Cricket and representing his House in athletics and cross-country. His involvement in service and leadership roles - including Interact Club Secretary, Service Coordinator and Boyce House Vice-Captain - underscored his commitment to giving back.
Perhaps most impressive was Hedley’s ability to balance academics, leadership and employment. Midway through Year 12, he completed his Certificate IV in Fitness and began working as a personal trainer at Complete Body gym. “I was employed as a group trainer and have been working since halfway through Year 12,” he says. “My family is very proud of me - working a busy job while trying to do my best at school wasn’t easy.”
Hedley’s motivation came from a deeply personal place. “The biggest motivator for me was my mum,” he shares. “She gave me the incredible opportunity to attend such a great school. Without her, I wouldn’t be where I am today.” That gratitude, combined with a disciplined approach to time management, helped him
thrive during demanding periods. His strategies - prioritisation, planning and focused work sessions - are lessons he hopes younger students will adopt.
Looking ahead, Hedley plans to take a gap year to work and complete short courses before pursuing university studies in exercise science or physiotherapy. His ATAR of 85.9 opens doors to multiple pathways, but for now, he’s focused on growing his expertise in the fitness industry.
As Hedley reflects on his school experience, he credits it with preparing him for life beyond the gates. “School taught me confidence, time management and organisation,” he says. “Those skills will stay with me forever.”